Getting him back to wrap up Ottawa's three-game western road trip is important. Ottawa is 1-1 after winning in Edmonton but losing in Calgary. That left the Senators with one win and three losses since their return from the Olympic break.

That’s not the only good news on the injury front. The club is expected to be greeted by a healthy LW Nick Foligno and possibly D Filip Kuba when it returns to practice Monday in Ottawa. Both have been skating with assistant Luke Richardson and are feeling much better.

“Both of them add some offence and some depth. Nick was playing his best hockey of the season and Filip logs a lot of minutes. He has a lot of poise back there. They’re both a big part of our team,” said Clouston.

Clouston cancelled practice Friday and held an off-ice workout. Expect to see G Pascal Leclaire make the start against the Canucks.